Ranked #1 Long Beach State opened the Silver State Showcase in Reno with a 3-0 (25:19, 25:17, 25:20) victory over Fort Valley State. The Beach finished with a combined nine aces from four different players who shined from the service line, while strong defense held Fort Valley State to an 18.9 percent hitting efficiency.

Sotiris Siapanis finished with eight points and four aces, part of a balanced offense where six different Long Beach State (7-0 overall) players finished with five or more points.The Beach was again masterfully led by setter Moni Nikolov to a team hitting efficiency of 38.5 percent, with the freshman finishing with 27 assists converted into points by his teammates, 8 digs(!), eight points (3 aces). The successful defensive actions of the Bulgarian setter place him 23rd in the ranking for this element.
For a freshman in collegiate volleyball to rank 23rd nationally in digs per set is an impressive feat, especially given his height. Typically shorter players (liberos/defensive specialists) dominate this statistic, so Nikolov's ability to contribute defensively while playing as a setter is remarkable.

The third set was the most contested, but the experience of the Long Beach State squad helped The Beach close out a clean sweep. At 18-17, a service run by Nikolov helped Long Beach State take control of the set.

The Beach will face Belmont Abbey on Monday to close out the two-day showcase.